Youth at Risk; Society at Risk

Abstract

Many children and youth today are at risk for negative educational outcomes. Ours is an aging society increasingly dependent on all its youth. Negative outcomes will interfere with the productivity and well-being of our society as well as of these young people. This article reviews the social and economic costs of youth at risk and examines 3 primary conditions that create risk: poverty, lack of family guidance and support, and negative peer pressure. Statistics are provided delineating the scope and severity of the problem, in particular, how it affects minority youth. The article stresses the need for an exploration of new roles and responsibilities for education. It also calls for collaborative efforts by the educational, business, and human services communities to create prevention programs that provide positive opportunities and supports for youth and their families.